Florida’s Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Music Director

The Israeli conductor Yaniv Dinur will assume the role as of the 2025/26 season

The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has welcomed Yaniv Dinur as its new music director and conductor beginning next season. Dinur was selected for his insightful interpretations and ability to connect with concertgoers of all ages and backgrounds. 

Alongside his new role, Dinur will continue his current position as music director of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, which has been nationally recognized for its engaging programming and artistic quality under his leadership. 

Dinur is also an accomplished pianist and the founder of a chamber music series at the Villa Terrace Museum in Milwaukee, where he performs with musicians from the Milwaukee Symphony.

His awards include the 2017 and 2016 Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Awards, second place at the 2009 Mata International Conducting Competition, and first prize in the 2005 Aviv Conducting Competition. Additionally, he is a recipient of the America-Israel Cultural Foundation and the Zubin Mehta Scholarship Endowment.

Dinur began learning the piano at the age of six with his aunt, and studied conducting in Israel with Evgeny Zirlin and Mendi Rodan. He later earned a Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, where he was a student of Kenneth Kiesler.

“The TSO is a special group,” Dinur said. “They play with power and sensitivity, and they are enveloped in a community that loves and cares for the orchestra. I can’t wait to start our new relationship and see where it takes us.”

“Choosing our new Music Director from our five fantastic finalists was not easy,” said Steve Mindlin, chair of the search committee. “I am proud of each member of the Search Committee for their time and ability to reach consensus that Yaniv Dinur would be the new TSO Music Director. We look ahead with great anticipation to the start of an exciting new chapter for Yaniv Dinur and the TSO!”

“I have greatly admired Yaniv’s immense, very special talent since the first time I saw him conduct over a decade ago,” CEO Amanda Stringer continued. I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him share his artistry, creativity, commitment to education programs, and warmth with audiences in Tallahassee.”

“I am inspired by Yaniv’s musicianship, devotion to his art, and desire to connect with the community in Tallahassee,” added Deborah Bish, TSO principal clarinetist and search committee member. “I am excited to collaborate with him and looking forward to what the next chapter holds!”

A short interview with Dinur can be viewed below.